The 25th edition of The Farsons Great Beer Festival promises to be another success this year with an array of local and international beers and the best local artists and bands. The festival will take place from 22nd to 31st July 2005 at Ta' Qali Park from 7.30pm onwards, with ample free parking and free entrance.

“The Farsons Great Beer Festival is a highlight of Malta’s summer events calendar and this year we are celebrating its 25th anniversary. No one would have imagined that this festival would grow as it did during the last 25 years – success breeds success,” said Ray Grech, General Manager – Marketing and Exports at Simonds Farsons Cisk plc.

The Farsons Great Beer Festival was organised for the first time in 1981 at the Farsons Brewery in Mriehel. It was then held at San Anton Gardens and Ta' Xbiex Gardens for a number of years. Growing in size every year, the festival has now settled at Ta' Qali Park attracting large crowds every night, making the festival the biggest of its kind.

The greatest attraction at The Farsons Great Beer Festival is of course, the beer! The largest range of local and international beers will be served at the festival. Local beers include Cisk Lager, Blue Label Smooth 'N' Creamy together with Hopleaf Extra Smooth ‘N’ Creamy, recently launched on the market. International beer brands include Cisk Export, Carlsberg, Skol, Budweiser, Guinness, Kilkenny, John Smith’s, Beck's and Corona.

These fine beers are also complemented with a wide variety of cuisines: Chinese, Turkish, Pasta, Ribs, Chicken, the traditional Pizza and more.

For the third year running, beer drinkers have the opportunity of adding the official 25th Anniversary Beer Festival mug to their collection, which is an excellent souvenir to take home. This is available at all the bars and is offered full of the beer of choice. A limited stock of these specially printed mugs makes them a unique collector’s item.

This year’s edition of The Farsons Great Beer Festival will kick off with a re-enactment from the In Guardia Parade in full costume and an announcement by a town crier.

The festival is also a celebration of the best in local musical talent. Every evening different shows are presented on two stages. The Main Stage features a host of many Maltese singers such as Chiara, Freddie Portelli, Ira Losco, Enzo Guzman, Julie & Ludwig, Hooligan, Tony Camilleri, Olivia Lewis, Kristina Casolani, Claudette Pace and Fabrizio Faniello among many others.

Top local bands including Corkskrew, Beangrowers, Scream Daisy, Rug, Indigo, Bitterside, Miriam Christine and Fakawi will perform live at the Rock Stage @ World Beers Area. The Rock Stage has now become an alternative night out for many young people.

Bay Radio will be hosting the Rock Stage @ World Beers Area with periodic live links. A schedule of the performances on both the Main Stage and the Rock Stage @ World Beers Area is available on www.farsons.com/beerfestival.

“The Farsons Great Beer Festival has become a showcase for the best in local talent. We are proud to have always supported our local artists through this free ten-day event,” said Ivan Filletti, Marketing Manager.

Matthew Cuomo, Beer Festival Organiser, said, “This festival has proven that constant innovation and meeting the expectations of the festivalgoers is the cornerstone of success. The number of visitors has grown incredibly over two and a half decades.”

Razzett tal-Hbiberija will also be at the festival this year, giving out a great prize every night in order to raise much needed funds. Tickets for the lottery can be obtained from their stand.

The Farsons Great Beer Festival is a great night out for all the family. A designated play area for young children has been set up with games and activities creating a truly festive atmosphere.

The 25th edition of the Farsons Great Beer Festival is sponsored by Vodafone Malta Limited, Chevrolet, and Surplus and Adventure Equipment Store.